From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Thu Aug 5 14:05:31 2021 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Thu, 5 Aug 2021 20:05:31 +0000 Subject: Gov. Little launches Cybersecurity Task Force with special focus on elections security Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D78A02.F2AED230] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 5, 2021 Gov. Little launches Cybersecurity Task Force with special focus on elections security (IDAHO FALLS, Idaho) - Governor Brad Little announced today the formation of a new task force to advance cybersecurity initiatives in Idaho. The Governor's Cybersecurity Task Force will provide recommendations to improve business, government, and personal cybersecurity defenses and enhance the educational pipeline for cybersecurity workforce needs. It will identify cybersecurity assets, resources, and public-private partnerships across Idaho. In addition, Governor Little directed the task force to examine and propose new ways to ensure Idaho's election infrastructure remains secure, transparent, and resilient from new and evolving threats. Governor Little is honored to have former Secretary of State Ben Ysursa as a member of the task force to address this important issue. "Through the Idaho National Laboratory, the State of Idaho is home to unique and world-leading capabilities in countering cyber-attacks and engineering solutions to the cybersecurity challenges facing our state and nation. We'll need increased resources, partnerships and active collaboration between a broad range of organizations to successfully protect from ever-growing cybersecurity threats, and I'm confident my Cybersecurity Task Force is up to the task.," Governor Little said. "I'm also asking the task force to find new ways to protect Idaho's election infrastructure because fair and free elections are a hallmark of Idaho's proud representative democracy and the expectation of every Idahoan. I appreciate longtime Secretary of State Ben Ysursa for his participation on my task force." The task force will also explore opportunities to raise awareness, inform and educate potential victims of cybersecurity threats, including citizens, businesses, critical infrastructure operators, and state and local government. Idaho Department of Commerce Director Tom Kealey and Idaho National Laboratory (INL) Associate Laboratory Director Zach Tudor will co-chair the task force. "Cyber-attacks are now ubiquitous in modern society. Without the proper procedures and infrastructure in place, all Idaho citizens, businesses, and organizations are potentially at risk," Director Kealey said. "Through collaboration and partnership between the more than 200 Idaho businesses that offer cybersecurity products and services, and public sector organizations like Idaho National Laboratory and Idaho higher education institutions, Idaho has the opportunity to advance cybersecurity initiatives and innovations to defend against these critical global threats." "It's a privilege and honor to co-chair this task force with Director Kealey and I thank Gov. Little for his foresight in establishing it," INL Associate Laboratory Director Tudor said. "Cybersecurity is one of the most important national security issues of our time and Idaho now has an opportunity to set itself apart from other states in how we plan, prepare and respond to these challenges." The task force is comprised of private sector cybersecurity experts, including representatives from financial technology, network security, and public utilities, as well as government officials, including representatives from INL, Office of Emergency Management and Office of Information Technology Services, and Idaho research universities. In addition, the task force includes three legislators. The task force plans to meet four times between August and November of 2021 and provide a set of recommendations to the Governor in early 2022. The task force's first meeting will be Aug. 19. Meeting details and other information about the task force are available at commerce.idaho.gov/cybersecurity. * Tom Kealey, Idaho Department of Commerce Director, CO-CHAIR * Zach Tudor, Associate Laboratory Director, National & Homeland Security, Idaho National Laboratory, CO-CHAIR * Ben Ysursa, former Secretary of State * Brad Wiskirchen, Senior Vice President and General Manager for Equifax * Frank Harrill, Vice President of Security for Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories * Brad Richy, Idaho Office of Emergency Management Director * Jeff Weak, State of Idaho Information Technology Services Administrator * Ryan White, U.S. Senator Jim Risch's Chief of Staff * George Mulhern, Cradlepoint CEO * Jeff Newgard, Bank of Idaho CEO and President * Lisa Grow, Idaho Power CEO and President * Anand Bahl, Chief Information Officer, CVP for Micron Technology * Domini Clark, Blackmere Consulting CEO * Ed Vasko, Director of the Institute for Pervasive Cybersecurity at Boise State University * Dr. Scott Snyder, Idaho State University Dean of Science and Engineering * Toni Broyles, Special Assistant to the President at the University of Idaho * Senator Jim Woodward, District 1 * Representative Brooke Green, District 18 * Representative Dustin Manwaring, District 29 # # # NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: Marissa Morrison, Press Secretary 208-943-1686 or marissa.morrison at gov.idaho.gov -- Sign up to receive news from Governor Little Reply to this e-mail to unsubscribe -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.png Type: image/png Size: 44864 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Fri Aug 6 12:39:31 2021 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Fri, 6 Aug 2021 18:39:31 +0000 Subject: Gov. Little prioritizes clean, reliable water systems with new planning grants Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D78AC0.19FCC9B0] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 6, 2021 Gov. Little prioritizes clean, reliable water systems with new planning grants Boise, Idaho - Local communities in Idaho will be better able to quickly apply for and execute new upgrades to wastewater and drinking water systems in the coming years after Governor Brad Little directed funds this week to cover additional grants for their engineering and planning costs. Governor Little announced today he directed $2 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality to administer additional planning grants to local communities. "I've stated from the start that we would prioritize these federal relief funds for long-range investments that will benefit our grandchildren - the generation that will have to pay off the massive federal debt. Clean, reliable water sources are fundamental to the health and prosperity of Idaho citizens and businesses now and in the future," Governor Little said. "Millions of dollars in new funding are available to local governments to significantly improve their water systems in the coming years but in order for them to access the funds, they need to start planning right now. These new planning grants help ensure communities across Idaho are in the best position possible to significantly upgrade the water systems we rely on." Idaho received $1.2 billion in ARPA state fiscal recovery funds, which can be used for local water projects. Governor Little will seek legislative approval next session to devote additional funds toward new water projects, but under U.S. Treasury guidance the projects must be completed by the end of 2026. That means local governments need to get their required engineering reports done as quickly as possible. The $2 million in new planning grants will be used to develop the engineering reports that identify the most cost-effective and environmentally sound method of upgrading a system to achieve and maintain compliance with state and federal standards. The funding for the additional planning grants comes from an appropriation of $50 million from the ARPA State Fiscal Recovery Fund to the Idaho Division of Financial Management for the current fiscal year through the passage of House Bill 370. # # # NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: Marissa Morrison, Press Secretary 208-943-1686 or marissa.morrison at gov.idaho.gov -- Sign up to receive news from Governor Little Reply to this e-mail to unsubscribe -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.png Type: image/png Size: 44864 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Tue Aug 10 11:58:27 2021 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Tue, 10 Aug 2021 17:58:27 +0000 Subject: =?Windows-1252?Q?Rexburg_to_host_Governor_Little=92s_=91Capital_for_a_Day?= =?Windows-1252?Q?=92_event?= Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D78DDA.2AA803C0] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 10, 2021 Rexburg to host Governor Little?s ?Capital for a Day? event Boise, Idaho ? Governor Brad Little?s next ?Capital for a Day? event will be held in Rexburg on August 19 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Romance Theater: 2 E Main Street. Officials joining Governor Little include: * Superintendent of Public Instruction Sherri Ybarra * Treasurer Julie Ellsworth * Department of Labor Director Jani Revier * Department of Commerce Director Tom Kealey * Department of Agriculture Deputy Director Chanel Tewalt * Division of Financial Management Administrator Alex Adams * Office of Energy and Mineral Resources Administrator John Chatburn * Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses Bureau Chief Michell Bird * Representatives from Idaho?s congressional delegation In addition, representatives of the following agencies and state entities will be on hand to help answer questions: Idaho State Board of Education, Idaho Department of Lands, Idaho Department of Water Resources, Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Idaho Transportation Department, and Idaho State Historical Society. ?It?s my pleasure to announce Rexburg as the next Capital for a Day in Idaho,? Governor Little said. ?It is our duty as State officials to address the concerns of Idahoans in an open forum. We expect informative and enlightening discussion in Madison County as I bring members of my cabinet to the residents of Rexburg.? # # # NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: Marissa Morrison Hyer, Press Secretary 208-943-1686 or Marissa.Morrison at gov.idaho.gov -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.png Type: image/png Size: 166107 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Thu Aug 12 12:43:39 2021 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Thu, 12 Aug 2021 18:43:39 +0000 Subject: Idahoans urged to receive COVID-19 vaccine now as students head back to school Message-ID: [cid:5dee3d58-d3ba-40bd-b2b7-f63f8092c66c] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 12, 2021 Idahoans urged to receive COVID-19 vaccine now as students head back to school Boise, Idaho ? Governor Brad Little held a press conference today at Nampa High School to highlight facts about unvaccinated Idahoans getting sick, strain occurring in hospitals, and to urge Idahoans on the fence about receiving the vaccine to get the shot now to protect students? ability to learn in their classrooms this school year. ?Idaho students are headed back to their classrooms starting next week. As I?ve stated from the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, our students need to be able to learn in their classrooms with their teachers and peers. Our main defense in ensuring the new school year is entirely in-person ? free from outbreaks and quarantines ? is the COVID-19 vaccine,? Governor Little said. Governor Little highlighted Idaho-specific facts about COVID activity in the state. * 98.9-percent of new COVID-19 cases since Jan. 1, 2021, were people not vaccinated * 98.6-percent of COVID-19 hospitalizations since Jan. 1, 2021, were people not vaccinated * 98.7-percent of COVID-19 deaths since Jan. 1, 2021, were people not vaccinated * Since May 15, there have been 10-times as many COVID-19 cases among unvaccinated people compared to vaccinated people * Since May 15, there have been 13-times as many COVID-19 hospitalizations among unvaccinated people compared to vaccinated people * Since May 15, there have been 8-times as many COVID-19 deaths among unvaccinated people compared to vaccinated people. The vaccine slows the spread of the disease, but epidemiologists with the State of Idaho say that with low vaccination rates and the highly contagious Delta variant circulating in Idaho communities ? which is twice as contagious as the original strain ? projections indicate case counts could continue to increase through the fall and exceed last year?s peak for daily case counts in as soon as two months. Just over half of Idaho?s adult population is vaccinated, with the greatest share of those vaccinated over the age of 65. ?I understand there are many who simply will not receive the vaccine under any circumstances, but there are also a lot of others who are on the fence about receiving the vaccine. To those friends and neighbors of ours waiting to receive the vaccine, the time to get the vaccine is now, when our students are going back to school. We can minimize or eliminate disruptions in the delivery of education as well as sports and extracurricular activities during this school year if more Idahoans choose to get vaccinated now. Our younger population cannot receive the vaccine and they need us ? the adults ? to make the right decision now so they can stay well and have a productive, successful school year,? Governor Little said. Parents of 12- to 17-year-olds are also encouraged to have their children vaccinated. A pediatrician can help answer questions, and parents are encouraged to make an appointment to discuss the vaccine. Over 97 million Americans have received the vaccine safely. The risk of serious side effects is extremely low. By comparison, the risk of death or hospitalization from the COVID-19 disease is much higher, and it?s growing. Idaho hospitals are once again filling up with COVID patients ? almost all unvaccinated ? and access to basic healthcare services is getting pinched for everyone. People with planned surgeries may have those surgeries delayed. People with heart attacks or strokes may find there is no bed available in their local hospital. Governor Little also noted the impacts of increased spread on our workforce. ?We cannot afford to have such a large share of our workforce out sick all at once. Our workforce cannot afford to stay home because schools and day cares shut down due to outbreaks. This threatens Idaho?s phenomenal economic success,? Governor Little said. ?Our hospitals won?t be able to take in the influx of patients. And, importantly, it is not fair to our students who will experience disruptions in their school year.? Governor Little said he is directing $30 million toward expanded COVID-19 testing in Idaho K-12 schools to help meet the need. # # # ? NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: Marissa Morrison, Press Secretary 208-943-1686 or marissa.morrison at gov.idaho.gov -- Sign up to receive news from Governor Little Reply to this e-mail to unsubscribe -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image.png Type: image/png Size: 41261 bytes Desc: image.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Thu Aug 12 15:10:17 2021 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Thu, 12 Aug 2021 21:10:17 +0000 Subject: UPDATED Idahoans urged to receive COVID-19 vaccine now as students head back to school Message-ID: UPDATE to the news release highlighted below. [cid:5dee3d58-d3ba-40bd-b2b7-f63f8092c66c] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 12, 2021 Idahoans urged to receive COVID-19 vaccine now as students head back to school Boise, Idaho ? Governor Brad Little held a press conference today at Nampa High School to highlight facts about unvaccinated Idahoans getting sick, strain occurring in hospitals, and to urge Idahoans on the fence about receiving the vaccine to get the shot now to protect students? ability to learn in their classrooms this school year. ?Idaho students are headed back to their classrooms starting next week. As I?ve stated from the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, our students need to be able to learn in their classrooms with their teachers and peers. Our main defense in ensuring the new school year is entirely in-person ? free from outbreaks and quarantines ? is the COVID-19 vaccine,? Governor Little said. Governor Little highlighted Idaho-specific facts about COVID activity in the state. * 98.9-percent of new COVID-19 cases since Jan. 1, 2021, were people not vaccinated * 98.6-percent of COVID-19 hospitalizations since Jan. 1, 2021, were people not vaccinated * 98.7-percent of COVID-19 deaths since Jan. 1, 2021, were people not vaccinated * Since May 15, there have been 10-times as many COVID-19 cases among unvaccinated people compared to vaccinated people * Since May 15, there have been 13-times as many COVID-19 hospitalizations among unvaccinated people compared to vaccinated people * Since May 15, there have been 8-times as many COVID-19 deaths among unvaccinated people compared to vaccinated people. The vaccine slows the spread of the disease, but epidemiologists with the State of Idaho say that with low vaccination rates and the highly contagious Delta variant circulating in Idaho communities ? which is twice as contagious as the original strain ? projections indicate case counts could continue to increase through the fall and exceed last year?s peak for daily case counts in as soon as two months. Just over half of Idaho?s adult population is vaccinated, with the greatest share of those vaccinated over the age of 65. ?I understand there are many who simply will not receive the vaccine under any circumstances, but there are also a lot of others who are on the fence about receiving the vaccine. To those friends and neighbors of ours waiting to receive the vaccine, the time to get the vaccine is now, when our students are going back to school. We can minimize or eliminate disruptions in the delivery of education as well as sports and extracurricular activities during this school year if more Idahoans choose to get vaccinated now. Our younger population cannot receive the vaccine and they need us ? the adults ? to make the right decision now so they can stay well and have a productive, successful school year,? Governor Little said. Parents of 12- to 17-year-olds are also encouraged to have their children vaccinated. A pediatrician can help answer questions, and parents are encouraged to make an appointment to discuss the vaccine. Over 97 197 million Americans have received the vaccine safely. The risk of serious side effects is extremely low. By comparison, the risk of death or hospitalization from the COVID-19 disease is much higher, and it?s growing. Idaho hospitals are once again filling up with COVID patients ? almost all unvaccinated ? and access to basic healthcare services is getting pinched for everyone. People with planned surgeries may have those surgeries delayed. People with heart attacks or strokes may find there is no bed available in their local hospital. Governor Little also noted the impacts of increased spread on our workforce. ?We cannot afford to have such a large share of our workforce out sick all at once. Our workforce cannot afford to stay home because schools and day cares shut down due to outbreaks. This threatens Idaho?s phenomenal economic success,? Governor Little said. ?Our hospitals won?t be able to take in the influx of patients. And, importantly, it is not fair to our students who will experience disruptions in their school year.? Governor Little said he is directing $30 million toward expanded COVID-19 testing in Idaho K-12 schools to help meet the need. # # # ? NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: Marissa Morrison, Press Secretary 208-943-1686 or marissa.morrison at gov.idaho.gov -- Sign up to receive news from Governor Little Reply to this e-mail to unsubscribe -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image.png Type: image/png Size: 41261 bytes Desc: image.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Fri Aug 13 12:43:48 2021 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Fri, 13 Aug 2021 18:43:48 +0000 Subject: Gov. Little appoints Dave Bobbitt to Fish and Game Commission Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D79040.DB878F40] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 13, 2021 Gov. Little appoints Dave Bobbitt to Fish and Game Commission Boise, Idaho ? Governor Brad Little announced today his appointment of Dave Bobbitt as the Idaho Fish and Game Commission Panhandle Region representative. ?Dave is an avid outdoorsman with a long history of leadership and service to the people of North Idaho,? Governor Little said. ?I have no doubt he will carry his passion as a sportsman into his role as a dedicated member of the commission.? Bobbitt has more than 47 years of experience in the banking industry and served as president of Sterling Savings Bank from 2004 until his retirement in 2006. Bobbitt attended North Idaho College and received post graduate degrees from Pacific Coast Banking School at the University of Washington and the International Seniors Program, School of Business, Harvard University. Bobbitt served in the U.S. Army Reserve from 1968 to 1979. He served the Pacific Coast Banking School as past chairman, Kootenai Electric Cooperative as a board member and chairman of the Audit Committee, Livestock Sale Booster Club Inc. as a board member, and as a Kootenai Health board member and Finance Committee chairman. ?I am honored to be selected for this important role,? Bobbitt said. ?I am happy to represent the people, wildlife, and scenic outdoors of the Panhandle Region as a commissioner.? Bobbitt?s appointment is effective immediately. # # # ? NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: Marissa Morrison, Press Secretary 208-943-1686 or marissa.morrison at gov.idaho.gov -- Sign up to receive news from Governor Little Reply to this e-mail to unsubscribe -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.png Type: image/png Size: 41261 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Thu Aug 19 11:12:56 2021 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Thu, 19 Aug 2021 17:12:56 +0000 Subject: Gov. Little announces State Board of Education appointments Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D794DD.2E27EA10] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 19, 2021 Gov. Little announces State Board of Education appointments Boise, Idaho ? Governor Brad Little announced today two new appointments to the State Board of Education. Cindy Siddoway will replace Emma Atchley, who served on the board for 12 years, and Cally Grindstaff Roach will replace Debbie Critchfield, who has served on the board for seven years and is stepping down to run for Superintendent of Public Instruction. ?Both Cindy and Cally recognize the critical link between the strength of our education system in Idaho ? from Kindergarten through Career ? and a strong workforce that can meet the needs of Idaho employers today and into the future. I appreciate them for their willingness to serve students, families, schools, and businesses through their positions on the State Board of Education,? Governor Little said. Siddoway owns and operates a multi-generational historic family sheep ranch in eastern Idaho. She also owns and manages an elk and bison hunting preserve. She is a past member of the Board of Trustees for West Jefferson School District 253. She has held numerous positions within organizations that promote production agriculture. She is married to former state Senator Jeff Siddoway and they have three children and four grandchildren. She is a graduate of Idaho State University and South Fremont High School. Grindstaff Roach grew up on a family farm in southern Idaho. She is the retired Vice President of Corporate Relations and Organizational Development for the employee-owned Clear Springs Foods. Among her many involvements, she is a member of the Idaho Parks and Recreation Board, the WWAMI/University of Idaho advisory board, the Idaho Business for Education board of directors, and the St. Luke's System governance committee. Among her many past involvements, she is a former CSI Foundation president, former board member of Agri-Service, Inc., and a former executive committee member for the Idaho Association of Commerce and Industry. She received her bachelor's degree from Lewis-Clark State College and master's degree in Human Resource Training and Development from Idaho State University. She graduated from Payette High School. ?As a previous local school board trustee, I appreciate the difficult decisions necessary to provide the best education possible, especially during these challenging times,? Siddoway said. ?Like Governor Little, I want Idaho to be the place our children and grandchildren choose to live.? ?Continual learning and development enriches our lives and provides opportunity,? Grindstaff Roach said. ?The success of our children and grandchildren is essential for the future of Idaho. I look forward to serving in this capacity.? Siddoway?s board position is effective immediately and Grindstaff Roach?s board position is effective Sept. 1, 2021. The State Board of Education is charged with the general supervision and governance of Idaho?s public educational institutions, agencies and school system. The board is comprised of eight members, seven of whom are appointed by the Governor, and the voter-elected Superintendent of Public Instruction. # # # ? NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: Marissa Morrison, Press Secretary 208-943-1686 or marissa.morrison at gov.idaho.gov -- Sign up to receive news from Governor Little Reply to this e-mail to unsubscribe -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.png Type: image/png Size: 41261 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Thu Aug 19 16:31:37 2021 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Thu, 19 Aug 2021 22:31:37 +0000 Subject: OPINION: Vaccine is our best shot at keeping kids in school Message-ID: Editors: The attached graphic is available for your use. [Graphical user interface, application Description automatically generated] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 19, 2021 Vaccine is our best shot at keeping kids in school By Governor Brad Little Idaho students are back to their classrooms - a welcome transition for students and families across our state. Our main defense in ensuring the new school year is entirely in-person - free from outbreaks and quarantines - is the COVID-19 vaccine. The highly contagious delta variant is circulating in our communities and hospitals are filling up again with COVID patients. This time, though, the patients are almost entirely unvaccinated people. Our students need to be able to learn in their classrooms with their teachers and peers. We can give our kids the best chance at a normal school year if more Idahoans choose to receive the vaccine. Just over half of Idaho's adult population is vaccinated, with the greatest share of those vaccinated over the age of 65. I want to thank the close to 800,000 Idahoans for choosing to protect yourselves, your loved ones, our economy, and our students by making that choice. I understand there are many who simply will not receive the vaccine under any circumstances, but there are also a lot of others who are on the fence about receiving the vaccine. To those friends and neighbors of ours waiting to receive the vaccine, the time to get the vaccine is now - when our students are going back to school. We can minimize or eliminate disruptions in the delivery of education, as well as sports and extracurricular activities during this school year, if more Idahoans choose to get vaccinated. Our younger population - children under age 12 - cannot receive the vaccine, and they need us - the adults - to make the right decision now so they can stay well and have a productive, successful school year. Parents of 12- to 17-year-olds are also encouraged to have your children vaccinated. Your child's pediatrician can help if you have questions about the vaccine. Two hundred million Americans have received the vaccine safely. The risk of death or serious injury is extremely low. By comparison, the risk of death or hospitalization from the COVID-19 disease is much, much higher, and it's growing. While dysfunction persists in the Biden White House at the national level - with failed approaches on the border crisis, Afghanistan, and the pandemic - Idahoans here at home can control what happens in our schools and our communities by choosing to receive the vaccine and giving students our best shot at keeping them in school. Now is the time to choose to receive the vaccine! # # # 402 words -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 10484 bytes Desc: image001.jpg URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: vaccination-status-covid-patients.png Type: image/png Size: 117362 bytes Desc: vaccination-status-covid-patients.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Fri Aug 20 11:39:24 2021 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Fri, 20 Aug 2021 17:39:24 +0000 Subject: Gov. Little appoints Jared Zwygart to Tax Commission Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D795A0.196D79F0] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 20, 2021 Gov. Little appoints Jared Zwygart to Tax Commission Boise, Idaho ? Governor Brad Little announced today his appointment of Nampa CPA Jared Zwygart to the Idaho State Tax Commission. ?Jared?s strong background in public accounting and his dedication to the strength and future of our state make him an ideal person to serve on the Tax Commission. I thank him for stepping up to serve Idaho as a tax commissioner,? Governor Little said. Zwygart is partner at Zwygart John & Associates, CPAs, in Nampa and a former partner at Bailey & Co., CPAs, in Nampa. His emphasis is in governmental and nonprofit auditing. He has worked on the Peer Review committee for the Idaho Society of CPAs, and he is a graduate of Boise State University. ?I have been an Idaho resident for 50 years and have enjoyed the many benefits of living here. The future of our state is something I take seriously, and serving on the Tax Commission is one way for me to serve the state I love,? Zwygart said. Zwygart replaces Elliot Werk on the commission, whose term ended in March. Zwygart starts Sept. 7. ?I appreciate Elliot Werk for his willingness to serve the people and businesses of Idaho as a tax commissioner. His longstanding dedication to public service is deeply appreciated,? Governor Little said. The Tax Commission is an executive branch agency. The governor appoints the four tax commissioners, and their appointments must be confirmed by the state Senate. The commissioners serve six-year terms. The tax commissioners also sit as the State Board of Equalization for two weeks in August. In that capacity, they hear and decide appeals for operating property such as railroads and utilities, which cross county lines. # # # ? NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: Marissa Morrison, Press Secretary 208-943-1686 or marissa.morrison at gov.idaho.gov -- Sign up to receive news from Governor Little Reply to this e-mail to unsubscribe -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.png Type: image/png Size: 41261 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Fri Aug 20 12:06:00 2021 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Fri, 20 Aug 2021 18:06:00 +0000 Subject: Gov. Little to answer COVID-19 questions during telephone town-hall Message-ID: [cid:image003.png at 01D795BB.BD0EB680] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Aug. 20, 2021 Gov. Little to answer COVID-19 questions at AARP telephone town-hall Tuesday Boise, Idaho ? Governor Brad Little, State Epidemiologist Dr. Christine Hahn, and Idaho Department of Health and Welfare Director Dave Jeppesen will answer questions from the public about COVID-19 during an hourlong AARP telephone town-hall on Tuesday, Aug. 24 at noon Mountain Time. Participants can join by: * dialing toll-free 866-767-0637 at the time of the call * registering to be called in advance at https://vekeo.com/event/aarpidaho-69955/ * streaming live at www.facebook.com/aarpidaho # # # ? NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: Marissa Morrison, Press Secretary 208-943-1686 or marissa.morrison at gov.idaho.gov -- Sign up to receive news from Governor Little Reply to this e-mail to unsubscribe -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image003.png Type: image/png Size: 47293 bytes Desc: image003.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Mon Aug 23 16:14:55 2021 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Mon, 23 Aug 2021 22:14:55 +0000 Subject: Gov. Little comments on FDA full approval of COVID-19 vaccine Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D7982F.16277B10] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 23, 2021 Gov. Little comments on FDA full approval of COVID-19 vaccine Boise, Idaho ? Governor Brad Little addressed the people of Idaho today in a video message regarding the positive news that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced its full approval of the first COVID-19 vaccine. View the Governor?s video message at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RlguYAaeoro Governor Little?s full message to the people of Idaho follows: The United States of America reached a significant milestone today ? the FDA announced it fully approved the first COVID-19 vaccine. Close to 800,000 Idahoans and more than 200 million Americans have received the COVID-19 vaccine safely, and the FDA full approval for the Pfizer vaccine helps impart additional confidence for Idahoans still on the fence about getting the shot. Experts in science and medicine rigorously evaluated the safety of the vaccine in accordance with very high standards. President Donald Trump last year boldly moved our country forward with Operation Warp Speed ? the first-ever public-private partnership of its kind ? to enable faster approval and production of COVID-19 vaccines during the global pandemic. Today, we reached the culmination of President Trump?s leadership. It is a proud moment in our nation?s history. America is the best country in the world. We are able to offer our citizens a free, convenient, life-saving vaccine. Many people across the globe are not as fortunate. To our friends and neighbors still waiting to receive the vaccine, the time to get the shot is NOW. By getting the shot now, you can protect yourself and others and ensure healthcare access remains available for everyone. By getting the shot now, you can ensure a strong, healthy workforce and continued economic prosperity in our state. And, importantly, by getting the shot now, you can ensure our students have a productive, successful school year. Thank you and God Bless. # # # ? NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: Marissa Morrison, Press Secretary 208-943-1686 or marissa.morrison at gov.idaho.gov -- Sign up to receive news from Governor Little Reply to this e-mail to unsubscribe -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.png Type: image/png Size: 41261 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Tue Aug 24 16:28:16 2021 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Tue, 24 Aug 2021 22:28:16 +0000 Subject: Gov. Little, Attorney General Wasden announce intent to join national opioid settlements Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D79905.09ABCFE0] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 24, 2021 Gov. Little, Attorney General Wasden announce intent to join national opioid settlements Settlements total $26 billion, including up to $119 million for Idaho (Boise, Idaho) - Attorney General Lawrence Wasden and Governor Brad Little have announced their intention to have Idaho join two national opioid settlements, totaling up to $26 billion. One settlement involves opioid distributors AmerisourceBergen, Cardinal Health, and McKesson. The other involves opioid manufacturer Johnson & Johnson. The settlements include up to $119 million for Idaho and its counties and cities. Idaho?s local political subdivisions will be offered the opportunity to join in the settlements. Their joining now will maximize the benefit of these settlements with most of the money going to expert-approved opioid abatement strategies. The settlements are contingent upon enough other states also joining the agreement. That decision is expected to be announced in early September. ?These settlements will lead to programs that will help Idahoans dealing with opioid-related addiction, particularly if cities and counties act now,? Wasden said. ?It is my judgment that it is in the State of Idaho?s best interests to join. I urge our local subdivisions to join the state so we can maximize our recovery and enable them to receive benefits under the settlements in order to take care of our citizens.? ?I applaud Attorney General Wasden and his deputies who represented Idaho?s interests in these lawsuits and worked hard to maximize Idaho?s share of the settlement proceeds. We are committed to combatting substance misuse in Idaho and believe this settlement will help reduce the considerable threats to the well-being and safety of our citizens posed by the opioid crisis. I join the Attorney General in urging local subdivisions to join the settlement and to cooperate with all stakeholders to ensure the funds Idaho will receive are best used for abating the opioid crisis in Idaho,? Governor Little said. As part of the settlements, opioid distributors would also create a nationwide clearinghouse to identify and report suspicious activity in the opioid distribution system. The Office of the Attorney General continues to pursue its separate claims against manufacturers Purdue Pharma, Mallinckrodt, Teva and Endo. Purdue Pharma and Mallinckrodt are in bankruptcy court. Both are expected to emerge from bankruptcy in the coming months and provide additional dollars for opioid abatement in Idaho. # # # ? NEWS MEDIA CONTACTS: Marissa Morrison, Press Secretary, Office of the Governor 208-943-1686 or marissa.morrison at gov.idaho.gov Scott Graf, Public Information Officer Office of Idaho Attorney General Lawrence Wasden 208-334-4112 or scott.graf at ag.idaho.gov -- Sign up to receive news from Governor Little Reply to this e-mail to unsubscribe -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.png Type: image/png Size: 41261 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Wed Aug 25 15:44:42 2021 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Wed, 25 Aug 2021 21:44:42 +0000 Subject: =?utf-8?B?R292LiBMaXR0bGUgY29tbWVudHMgb24gU3VwcmVtZSBDb3VydCBkZWNpc2lv?= =?utf-8?B?biB0byByZWluc3RhdGUgVHJ1bXDigJlzIOKAmFJlbWFpbiBpbiBNZXhpY28=?= =?utf-8?B?4oCZIHBvbGljeQ==?= Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D799C8.1E413DA0] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 25, 2021 Gov. Little comments on Supreme Court decision to reinstate Trump?s ?Remain in Mexico? policy Boise, Idaho ? Governor Brad Little issued a statement today following the U.S. Supreme Court?s decision to reinstate the Migrant Protection Protocols, also known as the ?Remain in Mexico? policy: ?Meth and fentanyl are the most serious and growing drug threats in Idaho, and there is a direct tie to the loose border with Mexico. The border crisis and the alarming bump in illegal drug activity are direct results of failed policies of the Biden-Harris administration that harm the people of Idaho. ?The U.S. Supreme Court?s decision to reinstate the ?Remain in Mexico? policy, one of the numerous Trump policies that Biden reversed, is a victory that will serve to keep the American people safer. ?The State of Idaho stands with our fellow Americans in the border states. We were proud to send a specialized team of state troopers to assist with intelligence gathering and investigative work related to drug interdiction at the border. While this news from the nation?s highest court is encouraging, I continue to urge President Biden and Vice President Harris to act with conviction to address the growing threats to our country at the border.? # # # ? NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: Marissa Morrison, Press Secretary 208-943-1686 or marissa.morrison at gov.idaho.gov -- Sign up to receive news from Governor Little Reply to this e-mail to unsubscribe -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.png Type: image/png Size: 41261 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Thu Aug 26 16:46:12 2021 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Thu, 26 Aug 2021 22:46:12 +0000 Subject: Gov. Little launches COVID-19 antibody treatment centers, directs relief funds to increase hospital capacity Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D79A99.DFB7D6C0] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 26, 2021 Gov. Little launches COVID-19 antibody treatment centers, directs relief funds to increase hospital capacity Boise, Idaho ? As Idaho hospitals continue to be overwhelmed with unvaccinated COVID-19 patients, limiting healthcare access for everyone, Governor Brad Little announced today he is taking additional steps to assist Idahoans and relieve the growing burden on our healthcare system. Three COVID-19 monoclonal antibody treatment facilities will be stood up in North Idaho, eastern Idaho, and the Treasure Valley. Monoclonal antibody treatment involves therapeutic medications that are proving to be effective in keeping people from getting severely ill and requiring hospitalization after contracting COVID-19. The centers will help preserve hospital bed capacity for the severely ill. Specific information about the exact location of the treatment centers will be made available in the coming days. Additional treatment centers may be added later. Patients visiting the treatment centers must have a referral from a doctor. The treatments are free. ?There are too many unvaccinated people in our hospitals right now. We need to reduce the number of COVID-19 hospitalizations so everyone else can continue to access healthcare for strokes, heart attacks, car accidents, and other emergencies. We need more Idahoans to choose to receive the vaccine. Receiving the COVID-19 vaccine is the most effective way to minimize the spread of the disease to the vulnerable. Receiving the COVID-19 vaccine is also the most effective way to minimize your own risk of hospitalization from the disease. In addition, the new COVID-19 antibody treatment centers should help preserve bed capacity by preventing hospitalization for some people who contract the disease,? Governor Little said. North Idaho will be the priority, where vaccination rates are among the lowest in the state and where local hospitals are overwhelmed with unvaccinated COVID-19 patients, limiting healthcare access for everyone else. The new antibody treatment centers come in addition to antibody treatments already provided by hundreds of private healthcare providers across Idaho. In addition, Governor Little said he is directing $10 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to address constraints and emerging needs in Idaho hospitals and skilled nursing facilities. The funds will be used to make more physical space available to provide care for COVID-19 patients, address staffing shortages caused by workers getting sick or being exposed to the disease, and safely transition patients out of hospital settings to free up bed capacity. ?All of our hospitals, large and small, are asking more and more of our staff as our COVID hospitalizations continue to increase,? said Dr. Rachel Gonzales, CEO of Madison Memorial Hospital in Rexburg and chair of the Idaho Hospital Association Board of Directors. ?This additional funding will help us recognize them for their heroic efforts and fill in some of the gaps where we are stretched so thin.? ?In a rural community where staff recruitment was difficult long before COVID, this will be a big help in retaining quality providers in our community during this crisis,? said Lenne Bonner, CEO of Clearwater Valley Health in Orofino and St. Mary?s Health in Cottonwood. ?I appreciate the flexibility the Governor is giving all of us to use this money where it will help us and our community the most.? ?The staffing shortage facing senior care facilities is so severe that many facilities cannot accept new patients who desperately need care. This relief will help facilities find the staff necessary to provide quality care to their current patients and will enable facilities to accept new patients, which helps hospitals address the surge they are currently facing,? said Robert Vande Merwe, executive director of the Idaho Healthcare Association. Since the COVID-19 vaccine was made widely available to everyone in May, nearly all COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths are among the unvaccinated. # # # ? NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: Marissa Morrison, Press Secretary 208-943-1686 or marissa.morrison at gov.idaho.gov -- Sign up to receive news from Governor Little Reply to this e-mail to unsubscribe -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.png Type: image/png Size: 41261 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Fri Aug 27 11:26:24 2021 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Fri, 27 Aug 2021 17:26:24 +0000 Subject: =?Windows-1252?Q?Governor_Brad_Little=92s_calendar_for_the_week_of_August?= =?Windows-1252?Q?_30-_September_3?= Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D79B36.5E005BA0] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 27, 2021 Included below is information on some of the public events on Governor Brad Little?s calendar for the week of August 30- September 3. All times local. WEDNESDAY, September 1, 2021 Governor Little will provide remarks at the Pocatello Chamber Breakfast at the Idaho State University Pond Student Union Ballroom at 8 a.m. Media interested in participating should contact Matt Hunter with the Pocatello Chamber. Governor Little will provide remarks at the Savage Intermodal Terminal Grand Opening, 3602 N Philbin Rd, Pocatello, at 10:30 a.m. FRIDAY, September 3, 2021 Governor Little will attend the Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic in Ann Morrison Park at 6:45 a.m. Governor Little will issue a proclamation for College Savings Month in Idaho in the Governor?s ceremonial office at 10 a.m. # # # NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: Marissa Morrison Hyer, Press Secretary 208-943-1686 or Marissa.Morrison at gov.idaho.gov -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.png Type: image/png Size: 166107 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Mon Aug 30 14:07:06 2021 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Mon, 30 Aug 2021 20:07:06 +0000 Subject: Governor Little to make announcement regarding COVID-19 in Idaho Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D79DA8.4FF17610] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 30, 2021 Governor Little to make announcement regarding COVID-19 in Idaho Boise, Idaho - Governor Brad Little will make a live announcement regarding COVID-19 in Idaho on Tuesday, August 31, at 12:30 p.m. MT. The announcement will be streamed through Idaho Public Television's YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/c1RTKJObQYc # # # NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: Marissa Morrison Hyer, Press Secretary 208-943-1686 or Marissa.Morrison at gov.idaho.gov -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.png Type: image/png Size: 166107 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: From id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov Tue Aug 31 12:42:50 2021 From: id_gov_news at gov.idaho.gov (Gov. Brad Little) Date: Tue, 31 Aug 2021 18:42:50 +0000 Subject: Gov. Little activates National Guard again, directs hundreds of new medical personnel to help Idaho hospitals overwhelmed with unvaccinated COVID-19 patients Message-ID: [cid:image001.png at 01D79E5E.65EC2C10] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 31, 2021 Gov. Little activates National Guard again, directs hundreds of new medical personnel to help Idaho hospitals overwhelmed with unvaccinated COVID-19 patients Boise, Idaho ? Governor Brad Little announced today a last-ditch effort to avoid the first-ever activation of statewide crisis standards of care by adding hundreds of new medical personnel for Idaho hospitals, but he said the real solution to the crisis is more Idahoans choosing to receive the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine. Nearly all Idaho hospitals are overwhelmed with unvaccinated COVID-19 patients. There are more Idahoans in Intensive Care Units (ICU) with COVID-19 than ever before. The vast majority of them are unvaccinated. ?On a daily call with hospitals this morning, we heard there are only FOUR adult ICU beds available in the entire state, out of close to 400. Where hospitals have converted other spaces to be used as contingency ICU beds, those are filling up too,? Governor Little said. ?We are dangerously close to activating statewide crisis standards of care ? a historic step that means Idahoans in need of healthcare could receive a lesser standard of care or may be turned away altogether. In essence, someone would have to decide who can be treated and who cannot. This affects all of us, not just patients with COVID-19.? Governor Little is adding up to 370 additional personnel to assist hospitals with the surge. * By mobilizing the Idaho National Guard again, up to 150 guardsmen will support short-staffed medical facilities. They will be tasked with logistical support such as screenings, lab work, and other duties. * In addition, 200 additional medical and administrative personnel will be available to Idaho through a contract with the U.S. General Services Administration. * A 20-person Department of Defense medical response team will be deployed to North Idaho, where vaccination rates are among the lowest in the state and where they are experiencing the greatest need. ?Idaho hospitals are beyond constrained. Our healthcare system is designed to deal with the everyday realities of life. Our healthcare system is NOT designed to withstand the prolonged strain caused by an unrestrained global pandemic. It is simply not sustainable. Please choose to receive the vaccine now to support your fellow Idahoans who need you,? Governor Little said. Governor Little highlighted other recent steps he has taken to alleviate the crisis. Last week, he announced the opening of three monoclonal antibody treatment centers across the state, where Idahoans at greatest risk of developing serious complications from COVID-19 will be able to receive therapeutic medications to hopefully avoid hospitalization and help preserve critical capacity in our hospitals. He also directed new funds to help Idaho hospitals attract and retain the medical staff they need as they compete with healthcare systems across the nation for workers. In addition, Governor Little?s administration announced this month that temporary licensing fees are waived again for retired or inactive nurses so they can activate their licenses and reenter the workforce more easily during this unprecedented time. This same step last year cleared the way for more than 1,000 nurses and other health professionals to help out. ?I hope it will be enough for us to avoid statewide crisis standards of care, but we are teetering on the brink and there is only one real solution ? we need more Idahoans to choose to receive the safe, effective COVID-19 vaccine now,? Governor Little said. Some Idaho schools have already been forced to transition to remote learning because of COVID-19 outbreaks among staff and families. Addressing the Idahoans who are still on the fence or are just putting off receiving the vaccine, Governor Little said the time to get vaccinated is now, so our kids can have a normal school year. ?I want to thank the more than 818,000 Idahoans who have shown love for their neighbor by choosing to receive the safe and effective vaccine. To the others, please choose to receive the vaccine now to protect lives, help our exhausted medical staff, keep healthcare access available to all of us, keep our workforce healthy, and keep our kids in school,? Governor Little said. # # # ? NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: Marissa Morrison, Press Secretary 208-943-1686 or marissa.morrison at gov.idaho.gov -- Sign up to receive news from Governor Little Reply to this e-mail to unsubscribe -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image001.png Type: image/png Size: 41261 bytes Desc: image001.png URL: